It is recommended to fly into Liberia (city in Costa Rica) international airport and take a Taxi from there which lasts a little over 45 minutes. Most airlines fly to Liberia from Houston, Miami, Atlanta or Los Angeles. Tamarindo also has an airport which is approximately a 45 minute flight from San Jose. The bus ride from the San Jose costs $12 dollars leaving Alfaro Station. The bus stops frequently and the trip takes around 6 or 7 hours but there is much to see throughout Costa Rica. Purchase 2 hours or more in advance as buses in CR often sellout. If coming from Liberia, there are buses every couple of hours, fare is a couple of dollars. Not the world's most comfortable buses, they stop everywhere and take multiple detours off the main road into villages and the journey takes about 2.5 hours. However, it's a good way to see the Costa Rican countryside.

It is recommended to fly into Liberia (city in Costa Rica) international airport and take a Taxi from there which lasts a little over 45 minutes. Most airlines fly to Liberia from Houston, Miami, Atlanta or Los Angeles. Tamarindo also has an airport which is approximately a 45 minute flight from San Jose. The bus ride from the San Jose costs $12 dollars leaving Alfaro Station. The bus stops frequently and the trip takes around 6 or 7 hours but there is much to see throughout Costa Rica. Purchase 2 hours or more in advance as buses in CR often sellout. If coming from Liberia, there are buses every couple of hours, fare is a couple of dollars. Not the world's most comfortable buses, they stop everywhere and take multiple detours off the main road into villages and the journey takes about 2.5 hours. However, it's a good way to see the Costa Rican countryside.

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Every Tuesday and Friday there is a shuttle service that picks up from Playa del Coco and brings riders to Tamarindo for $20. This service is hosted by Pure Vibes (2670 0273) that is based in Playas del Coco. They also offer $5 off accommodation at their resort ([http://www.purevibesresorts.com]) if you ride the shuttle.

==Get around==

==Get around==

Line 15:

Line 17:

Tamarindo has become a mecca for surfers and blue water sport fishermen, with a sport fishing fleet of talented and conservation oriented captains who are the pioneers of the Pacific coast. Their record catches of marlin, sailfish, giant tuna and other species have become legendary. Whether you want deep bluewater fishing, or reef or shoreline fishing, the fleet can accommodate you. Surf casting and handlining in front of your villa for snook and jack are also popular. Any way you do it you can be sure to have your fresh catch cooked up for you at one of the friendly beachfront restaurants.

Tamarindo has become a mecca for surfers and blue water sport fishermen, with a sport fishing fleet of talented and conservation oriented captains who are the pioneers of the Pacific coast. Their record catches of marlin, sailfish, giant tuna and other species have become legendary. Whether you want deep bluewater fishing, or reef or shoreline fishing, the fleet can accommodate you. Surf casting and handlining in front of your villa for snook and jack are also popular. Any way you do it you can be sure to have your fresh catch cooked up for you at one of the friendly beachfront restaurants.

*Costa Rica Surf Club and Surf Camp,[http://www.costaricasurfclub.com/] Learn how to surf in Tamarindo, surfshop and surf spots information

*Costa Rica Surf Club and Surf Camp,[http://www.costaricasurfclub.com/] Learn how to surf in Tamarindo, surfshop and surf spots information

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*Waves Costa Rica (www.wavescr.comj) The only Roxy/Quiksilver surf school and camp in Latin America. Learn to surf from the pros.

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There is company called Native's Way Guanacaste [http://www.nativesway.com/] that has grouped all of the best tours of Guanacaste together and offer some of the lowest rates. Their National Park tours are amazing, they use guides that grew up on the volcano that know the land like the back of their hand. They can show you secret trails and point out wildlife you wouldn't have otherwise seen. But they also offer great canopy ziplining, sailing, tubing, stand up paddle boarding, you name it. They offer transportation and often a drink at the end of your tour. Definitely check them out if you want to know what is offered in the area

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Warm water surfing is enjoyed year 'round and families find this area offers opportunities for surfers of all skill levels to enjoy the great waves that bless this part of the coast. Tamarindo was the first stop on an epic worldwide surf journey in the popular movie Endless Summer II. The stars of Endless Summer II have frequently stayed at the Best Western Tamarindo Vista Villas, located conveniently across the street from Tamarindo's main surf break. With the hotel's perch on the hill, surfers can check out the waves before heading out. Be aware that the beaches are very crowded with amatuer surfers these days, but everyone can find a wave.

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Warm water surfing is enjoyed year 'round and families find this area offers opportunities for surfers of all skill levels to enjoy the great waves that bless this part of the coast. Tamarindo was the first stop on an epic worldwide surf journey in the popular movie Endless Summer II. Be aware that the beaches are very crowded with amatuer surfers these days. It can be hard to catch waves without running into another tourist. The crowds do start to thin out as evening approaches though.

Visitors also can choose to scuba dive, snorkel, go on beach cruises, water ski, jet ski, go ocean and river kayaking, wind surfing, sailing cruises and horseback riding. Bicycles, beach gear, surfboards, boogie boards and equipment of all types are available for rental from specialty stores.

Visitors also can choose to scuba dive, snorkel, go on beach cruises, water ski, jet ski, go ocean and river kayaking, wind surfing, sailing cruises and horseback riding. Bicycles, beach gear, surfboards, boogie boards and equipment of all types are available for rental from specialty stores.

*<do name="Yoga Massage Therapy" alt="" address="Plaza Conchal" directions="second floor b-14" phone="88626498" url="http://www.tamarindoyogamassage.com/" hours="9am to 6pm" price="$70" lat="-85.840908​" long="10.29908">​Yoga Massage Therapy is unlike any mainstream massage; it offers you an alternate way to heal the body, soul, and mind in a experience that is beyond compare. Yoga Massage Therapy offers a unique selection of techniques such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Breathwork Meditation, and Reflexology among others.

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This unique therapy was introduced in Costa Rica for the first time by Nyree Aguilar, Costarican, she is a bodywork specialist certified from S.A.M. School, in India. She has been giving sessions in Tamarindo Beach since 2008, which has built her reputation as “the best massage in Tamarindo.” Come find out why Yoga Massage Therapy has a Certificate of Excellence 2012 from TripAdvisor and enjoy your visit in Tamarindo, Costa Rica!</do>

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==Buy==

==Buy==

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Many local vendors offer authentic Costa Rican jewelry. For children, inexpensive souvenirs are to be found everywhere .

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Many local vendors offer authentic Costa Rican jewelry and natural products for skin care. For children, inexpensive souvenirs are to be found everywhere .

When in Tamarindo, definitely try a Tamarind and Ginger agua fresca if you find it.

When in Tamarindo, definitely try a Tamarind and Ginger agua fresca if you find it.

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*<drink name="Monkey Bar" alt="" address="" directions="On the Main strip" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">The Monkey Bar, located at the Best Western Tamarindo Vista Villas, is great on Friday's, they have a live band and a DJ playing, so you are able to choose which side of the party you wish to be on. </drink> Enjoy 2x1 pizza everyday.

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*<drink name="Monkey Bar" alt="" address="" directions="On the Main strip" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">The Monkey Bar is great on Friday's, they have a live band and a DJ playing, so you are able to choose which side of the party you wish to be on. </drink>

*<drink name="Aqua" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Within walking distance from the Monkey Bar, Aqua delivers a more intense night club experience. A great place to be on Friday or Saturday and there's even a pole on stage.</drink>

*<drink name="Aqua" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Within walking distance from the Monkey Bar, Aqua delivers a more intense night club experience. A great place to be on Friday or Saturday and there's even a pole on stage.</drink>

*<drink name="Pacifico Bar" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Pacifico is the place to be on Sunday and is also busy on Thursday. Expect reggae dance-hall music at this beach side bar.</drink>

*<drink name="Pacifico Bar" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Pacifico is the place to be on Sunday and is also busy on Thursday. Expect reggae dance-hall music at this beach side bar.</drink>

*<sleep name="Blue Trailz" alt="hostel and surf camp" address="main street next to alamo rent a car" directions="" phone="(506) 2653 1705" url="www.bluetrailz.com" checkin="11am" checkout="2pm" price="" lat="" long="">Blue Trailz is the leading hostel and surf camp in Tamarindo, right across from the waves.</sleep>

Revision as of 12:56, 14 January 2013

Tamarindo is in Costa Rica. Located on the Pacific Coast, Tamarindo is a popular destination for couples and families looking for a good time. With spectacular beaches and rainforests, Tamarindo is the epitome of everything that Costa Rica prides itself on. However, if you are expecting to experience the real Costa Rica then Tamarindo is probably not for you - it's something of a tourist trap geared towards Americans on short vacations and prices are high (comparable to US and Europe) with rarely the quality to match.

Contents

Get in

It is recommended to fly into Liberia (city in Costa Rica) international airport and take a Taxi from there which lasts a little over 45 minutes. Most airlines fly to Liberia from Houston, Miami, Atlanta or Los Angeles. Tamarindo also has an airport which is approximately a 45 minute flight from San Jose. The bus ride from the San Jose costs $12 dollars leaving Alfaro Station. The bus stops frequently and the trip takes around 6 or 7 hours but there is much to see throughout Costa Rica. Purchase 2 hours or more in advance as buses in CR often sellout. If coming from Liberia, there are buses every couple of hours, fare is a couple of dollars. Not the world's most comfortable buses, they stop everywhere and take multiple detours off the main road into villages and the journey takes about 2.5 hours. However, it's a good way to see the Costa Rican countryside.

Every Tuesday and Friday there is a shuttle service that picks up from Playa del Coco and brings riders to Tamarindo for $20. This service is hosted by Pure Vibes (2670 0273) that is based in Playas del Coco. They also offer $5 off accommodation at their resort ([24]) if you ride the shuttle.

Get around

The town is nice and small, a sort of miniature tropical paradise. You can find taxis, rent cars, or scooters.

See

Numerous lagoons in the area are filled with wonderful wildlife.
Incredible sunsets and sunrises on beautiful beaches add to the overall experience.
Rainforests are just a short ride away, as well as volcanoes and other aspects of nature unique to this region of Costa Rica.

Do

Tamarindo has become a mecca for surfers and blue water sport fishermen, with a sport fishing fleet of talented and conservation oriented captains who are the pioneers of the Pacific coast. Their record catches of marlin, sailfish, giant tuna and other species have become legendary. Whether you want deep bluewater fishing, or reef or shoreline fishing, the fleet can accommodate you. Surf casting and handlining in front of your villa for snook and jack are also popular. Any way you do it you can be sure to have your fresh catch cooked up for you at one of the friendly beachfront restaurants.

Costa Rica Surf Club and Surf Camp,[27] Learn how to surf in Tamarindo, surfshop and surf spots information

There is company called Native's Way Guanacaste [28] that has grouped all of the best tours of Guanacaste together and offer some of the lowest rates. Their National Park tours are amazing, they use guides that grew up on the volcano that know the land like the back of their hand. They can show you secret trails and point out wildlife you wouldn't have otherwise seen. But they also offer great canopy ziplining, sailing, tubing, stand up paddle boarding, you name it. They offer transportation and often a drink at the end of your tour. Definitely check them out if you want to know what is offered in the area

Warm water surfing is enjoyed year 'round and families find this area offers opportunities for surfers of all skill levels to enjoy the great waves that bless this part of the coast. Tamarindo was the first stop on an epic worldwide surf journey in the popular movie Endless Summer II. Be aware that the beaches are very crowded with amatuer surfers these days. It can be hard to catch waves without running into another tourist. The crowds do start to thin out as evening approaches though.

Visitors also can choose to scuba dive, snorkel, go on beach cruises, water ski, jet ski, go ocean and river kayaking, wind surfing, sailing cruises and horseback riding. Bicycles, beach gear, surfboards, boogie boards and equipment of all types are available for rental from specialty stores.

In addition, there are only a few places in the world where the Giant Leatherback Turtle comes to lay her eggs, and National Park Las Baulas is one of them. A short ride from Tamarindo, watching this beautiful part of nature is a once in a lifetime event.

Nearby Hacienda Pinilla, an exclusive beach resort and residential community, offers six pristine beaches, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, surfing and fishing as well as horseback riding, an 18-hole championship golf course, and about 10 miles of nature trails.

There are a few great places to go at night. La Barra is a great bar where everyone goes for some salsa dancing, watch out though, the locals are all very good at it. There is another place called Pacifica playing mostly Top 40 music for the younger crowd at the end of the main street in Tamarindo. At the other end, you can find a relative new place, Agua. Pretty nice interior compared to the other bars, but it has a tendency to be a little empty at times. Be careful about pickpocketers around Agua, especially of those men dressed as females.

Yoga Massage Therapy, Plaza Conchal (second floor b-14), ☎88626498, [8]. 9am to 6pm. ​Yoga Massage Therapy is unlike any mainstream massage; it offers you an alternate way to heal the body, soul, and mind in a experience that is beyond compare. Yoga Massage Therapy offers a unique selection of techniques such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Breathwork Meditation, and Reflexology among others. This unique therapy was introduced in Costa Rica for the first time by Nyree Aguilar, Costarican, she is a bodywork specialist certified from S.A.M. School, in India. She has been giving sessions in Tamarindo Beach since 2008, which has built her reputation as “the best massage in Tamarindo.” Come find out why Yoga Massage Therapy has a Certificate of Excellence 2012 from TripAdvisor and enjoy your visit in Tamarindo, Costa Rica!$70. (-85.840908​,10.29908)

Buy

Many local vendors offer authentic Costa Rican jewelry and natural products for skin care. For children, inexpensive souvenirs are to be found everywhere .

Tamarindo Fishing Charters, Tamarindo beach (pick up in front of pescador), [9]. Fishing Charters & Fishing Packages, accomodations and a lot more..... Fishing Tamarindo works with a select group of private skippers with modern boats that are outfitted with state of the art fishing and navigation equipment.

Eat

Tamarindo offers an amazing selection of international and typical Costa Rican restaurants. Tamarindo has a French and German bakery, as well as restaurants catering to health-conscious and vegetarian. There is an abundant supply of fresh local seafood, fruits and vegetables. Most restaurants face the beach, so while waiting for food, one can play in the sand or admire the beautiful sunset.

However, most restaurant food is not cheap by Central American standards. Expect to pay $10 for a starter, $15-20 for a main dish, $3-4 for a juice or smoothie, $6-7 for a sandwich.

Locals will come daily during lunchtime with food in the back of their truck and sell to local Costa Ricans for about 2000 Colones you get a full plate, it's a great way to try local cuisine.

Pipos Dog (The Best Hot Dogs in town), Centro comercial Plaza Esmeralda (On the main road left side, where the HSBC Bank is located.), [10]. Hot dogs and open late.

Longboards BBQ, Located on the right side of the road to Langosta (Next door to Mandarina), ☎2653-0027. Noon until Late Night. Tamarindo's Best BBQ. Enjoy an amazing pulled pork, chicken, or brisket sandwich while relaxing in a tropical setting, listening to American Music. The Ribs and Onion Rings are fantastic. All of their meat is smoked and served with Homemade BBQ sauces. Do not miss this place while you're in town. New flat screens make it a good place to watch the games.under $10.

Hotel Jardin del Eden (Tamarindo Hotel El Jardin del Eden), (En frende a la Colina), ☎+506 2653 0137, [15]. Set on a hill, just a few minutes walk from the beach, and with a great view of the entire Tamarindo Bay.$192.

Hotel Tatanka (Tatanka), Playa Junquillal (Frente al mar), ☎1(866)498-0824, [16]. checkin: 2:00; checkout: 12:00. A great surf hotel, with its own pizzeria, located about two blocks from the beach, it is clean and the service is good.$60 - $65.

Tamarindo Village, [17]. Its hillside location has beautiful sunset views of the ocean and it's within walking distance of the beach. It's not a cookie-cutter hotel. Each of the cabins is private and charming.

Mirador B&B (Rated #1 on TripAdvisor), 300 Meters East of Gym, ☎506-8302-6514, [22]. checkin: 2pm; checkout: 12noon. Enjoy sweeping ocean views perched high atop Tamarindo; away from the noise, but close enough to enjoy all of the amenities of town. Rated #1 on Trip Advisor. 95-150/night.

Blue Trailz (hostel and surf camp), main street next to alamo rent a car, ☎(506) 2653 1705, [23]. checkin: 11am; checkout: 2pm. Blue Trailz is the leading hostel and surf camp in Tamarindo, right across from the waves.

Get out

No one really wants to leave Tamarindo, but when the time comes, buses to San Jose or to Liberia are the best option.